Challenge Cup: Henderson returns for Ulster to face Montpellier

Iain Henderson returns to the Ulster starting line-up for Sunday's last 16 Challenge Cup clash away to Montpellier after missing last weekend’s URC defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town.

The lock is joined in the second row by Alan O’Connor, who also returns to the side, while the front row remains unchanged from last weekend, with Steven Kitshoff, Rob Herring and Tom O’Toole set to pack down in France.

That's despite speculation doble World Cup winner Kitshoff is set to leave the Kingspan at the end of this season, despute bein just one year into a three-year deal.

It’s a familiar line-up in the back-row with Matty Rea starting at blindside flanker, David McCann at openside, and Nick Timoney at eight. John Cooney is named at scrum-half, with Nathan Doak completing the half-back partnership at fly-half.

The backfield sees one change to the starting line-up from last week, as Stewart Moore starts at full-back, having come on as an early replacement in Cape Town. Ethan McIlroy and Rob Baloucoune start on the left and right wing respectively.

Stuart McCloskey and James Hume complete the backfield, as they pair up as inside and outside centres.

Interim ead Coach Richie Murphy opts for a 6:2 split on the bench, with Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu and Dave Ewers providing the forward options.

Jake Flannery and Jacob Stockdale provide the back options from the bench.

Both Mike Lowry and Kieran Treadwell are unavailable through injury.

Ulster side to face Montpellier, Sunday April 7th, (12.30pm)

(15-9): Stewart Moore, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Ethan McIlroy, Nathan Doak, John Cooney;

(1-8): Steven Kitshoff, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (C), Matty Rea, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Jake Flannery, Jacob Stockdale, Dave Ewers.